Osteomyocutaneous reconstruction of the oral cavity

Osteomyocutaneous reconstruction of the anterior oral cavity affords rapid rehabilitation that saves the patient hospital time and substantial expense when compared with secondary reconstruction techniques. When successful, it offers more rapid and complete rehabilitation of the oral cavity because of the immediate and permanent maintenance of intraoral relationships without cicatrix. Four patients have successfully undergone reconstruction with this flap. Comparison of hospital records have shown that this operation, when successful, can save 24 to 47 days in the hospital over a period of one to two years in comparison with patients who must have secondary reconstruction substituted for the primary flap. The difference in hospital bills can be as much as $26,000 to $39,000 per patient.